Review my site - please.

[ActiveAngler]

Hi Guys,

I have gradually worked on this site over the past 1 year and would like to get peoples opinions on a couple of things:

a) First impressions.

b) Layout etc

c) Any suggestions.

Really look forward to your comments both good and constructive.

The site address is - www.activeangler.net

Regards - Ben

[garala]

a) seemed like a great fishing forum

b) layout looks fantastic!

c) the side column you got seems to be floating off a bit from the template (take a look (http://images.cjb.net/6463a.jpg)). But it's not a big problem.

Also, you should change page title from 'ACTIVEANGLER.NET' to something like `Active Angler - Your Alternative Fishing Forum'

[ActiveAngler]

Garala,

Thank you kindly for your review.

I agree with the Side column - I noticed it does that - no sure why!!!

Thank You!!

[ChU v2]

Layout looks great, you are using a few standard vB images, but no big deal. The only thing I don't like it when owners block the website content from guests. I've found in the past if you let them in to view SOME content there is a better chance they register. But that is my opinion.

[ActiveAngler]

Hi ChU V2,

Thank you kindly for your review.

Your point on the forum being unviewable for guests has been taken on board and will consider unlocking a few forums for perusal of guests.

Cheers

[linesider]

I agree on the letting guests view. You should at least let them see threads. Use the ability to view posted images as the enticer to register. I run a larger fishing forum and that does help a bit...

[Guest210212002]

That right side column is screaming for adsense. ;)

[ssslippy]

I like everything but the mouse icon. I like the sponsor of each forum, quite creative. Its a clean design.

[ActiveAngler]

Chris777,

can you explain what you mean regarding 'adsense'.

Cheers - Ben

[Mark.B]

Adsense is a Google advertising program intended to generate revenue for the site. www.google.com/adsense.

As to your site...very neat and clean layout actually. I like it. The sponsors logos in the forum listings actually add something to the appearance of the site, very nicely done way of getting sponsorhip in without it looking like intrusive advertising.

My only observations:

1) As has been mentioned, the default error message on trying to view threads is very stark. Consider either opening it up to guests, or better still install one of the addons that allows guests to view the first one or two posts in a thread only, with a message inviting them to register to read more. You can see that sort of thing on my site (see sig).

2) I don't like the scrolling text at the top.....but that's just me. I know some people love it, but it always looks amateurish and annoying to me.

3) Minor style thing, but your collapse buttons have the wrong background in the category bars, which lets down an otherwise very nice style.

4) The info bar that pops up on some pages asking people to register...ugh! I personally hate those things and they would really put me off. But again, some webmasters swear by them so it's a personal thing.

The important thing with reviews is to remember that you don't have to rush out and do everything people recommend, it's all just opinions which you can take or leave as you see fit. What's right for one site may be wrong for another. :D

[ActiveAngler]

Hi Mark B

Thank you so much for reviewing my site and giving me your opinions. Very valid and will definately consider what you have mentioned.

Thank You kindly.

Cheers - Ben

[KTBleeding]

Get rid of the scrolling marquee. That's blunt, but if you MUST keep it, at least make it scroll by faster.

I would open the gallery to guests. You are already pushing the registration quite a bit, no need to limit viewing to guests.

I'd also cut back on the registration pushing. Make the site seem like an inviting and fun place to hang out. Don't be pushy and bossy right up front. Gives off a bad impression.